Senior briefs

March 23, 2012

Trips for 2012

Members of the Annapolis Senior Activity Center can stop by the trip desk for a preview of 2012 outings and make reservations and deposits. Trips include a visit to the Peddler's Village Strawberry Festival in Lahaska, Pa., "Journey of Hope" to Gettysburg, Pa., and a cherry blossom excursion to Washington, followed by a luncheon cruise. Information: 410-222-1818.

Tax assistance

Trained volunteers will be available through April 5 at the O'Malley Senior Activity Center, 1275 Odenton Road in Odenton, to assist seniors with federal and state tax preparation. Appointments are available Monday-Friday. Information: 410-222-6227.

Support groups

The Department of Aging and Disabilities has revised and updated a booklet on community support groups. Information in the booklet focuses on groups for caregiving, Alzheimer's disease, bereavement for adults and children, diabetes, brain injury, cancer, stroke, cardiac and pulmonary problems, Parkinson's, and bowel and urinary diversions. The booklet is free and available at the department, 2666 Riva Road, fourth floor, Annapolis or online at aacounty.org/aging/resources/community_support_groups.pdf. Information: 410-222-4257.

Residents' rights

Brochures on residents' rights in nursing homes and assisted-living facilities and another brochure on the ombudsman program protecting those residents are available from the Department of Aging and Disabilities. The brochures are titled "Resident's Rights in Nursing Homes/Rehabilitation Centers in Maryland," "Resident's Rights in Assisted Living Facilities in Maryland" and "Ombudsman: Your Resident Advocate." Information: 410-222-4464 or aacounty.org/aging.

Senior services

The Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities has published its 2011-2012 edition of "Services for Seniors, Adults with Disabilities and Caregivers." The directory includes information on rental and housing assistance, legal help, county social services benefits and caregiver information. Free copies are available at the department's headquarters, 2666 Riva Road, fourth floor, Annapolis; the seven senior activity centers; county libraries; at CVS, Food Lion and WaWa stores; and online at http://www.aacounty.org/aging. Information: 410-222-4257.

Senior housing

Information on assisted-living homes and other housing options for seniors has been updated on the county Department of Aging and Disabilities website at http://www.aacounty.org/aging.

Calendar

The following activities will be offered at the Annapolis Senior Activity Center, 119 S. Villa Ave. Information: 410-222-1818:

Easter egg hunt Members are invited to bring pre-school and elementary school age children to the center at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 5, for an Easter egg hunt in the courtyard.

Memoir writing A course on autobiographical writing meets from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays. There will be an opportunity to learn listening and interviewing skills, writing tips and proofreading. Registration required.

The following activities will be offered at the Brooklyn Park Activity Center, 202 Hammonds Lane. Information: 410-222-6847:

Bus trip Reservations are being taken for a visit to the Showboat Casino on April 17. The bus leaves at 7:45 a.m. and returns at 8:30 p.m. The cost is $30 and includes $25 free play.

Health insuranceA representative from the Senior Health Insurance Program is available by appointment to discuss health insurance concerns at the Arnold Senior Activity Center. Appointments and information: 410-222-1922.

The following activities will be offered at the South County Senior Activity Center, 27 Stepneys Lane, Edgewater. Information: 410-222-1927:

Workshop Financial adviser Tim Laur presents "Foundations of Investing" at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 27. Investing, mutual funds and retirement are among the topics to be discussed.

The following activities will be offered at the O'Malley Senior Activity Center, 1270 Odenton Road, Odenton. Information: 410-222-6227:

Frank Sinatra Jr. Reservations are open for a trip April 18 to Atlantic City to hear Frank Sinatra Jr. perform in "Sinatra Sings Sinatra" at the Trump Taj Mahal Casino. The trip leaves the center at 8 a.m. and returns at 9 p.m. Participants receive $20 in slots dollars and an admission pass to the show. Cost: $90.

Quilt Club Participants can help one another with projects and learn ideas and techniques every Friday at 1 p.m. at the O'Malley Annex. Machines are available. New members welcome.

The following activities will be offered at the Pascal Senior Activity Center, 125 Dorsey Road, Glen Burnie. Information: 410-222-6680:

Single seniors group The Single Seniors Group encourages companionship, support and group participation in activities such as movies, dances, picnics and tours. Information: 410-222-6680 or http://www.aacounty.org/aging and click on the senior center.